Use of Health and nutrition-related claims on new food products in the USA from 1989 to 2010

Health and nutrition-related (HNR) claims on food products can impact consumer purchases and dietary quality. This article provides an overview of the voluntary use of HNR claims on new food and beverage products over a 21 year time period in the United States. HNR claims delineated by product category and type of HNR claim are evaluated between 1989 and 2010. The share of new products carrying at least one HNR claim fell from 35 percent in 1989 to 25 percent in 2001, before increasing to 43 percent in 2010. Recent increases in the use of these claims by food companies occurred over a period of growing concerns over obesity, new trans fats labeling regulations, and consumer interest in an overall healthier lifestyle.